We are painting sharrows on more roads across the city, after a trial found they improve safety for everyone.

Sharrow road marking

The use of sharrows has been extended to: 

  • single-lane roundabouts
  • 30km/h suburban shopping areas.

For drivers

Sharrows remind drivers they should expect to see people on bikes.

Drivers should slow down and wait until they can pass safely.

For people on bikes

Sharrows encourage people on bikes to ride further towards the centre of the lane:

  • in slower speed areas, well clear of parked vehicles, and
  • approaching and riding through single-lane roundabouts.

Sharrows do not show exactly where on the road people should ride.

For more tips on riding in traffic, go to Bike There. You'll also find more information in the New Zealand official code for cyclists.

Sharrows research

A 2014 trial, carried out in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency, found that more bicycle riders moved position to take the lane when sharrows were marked on the road.

A reduction in vehicle speeds at many trial sites was also recorded. This is important because lower speeds will improve safety for everyone.

The trial was held in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Nelson.

Read the full report.